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Designed to appeal to hi-fi newcomers and experienced audiophiles alike, Pioneer’s new A-40AE integrated amplifier (pictured with the N-50AE network audio player) has been tuned to deliver low distortion coupled with fine resolution and clarity. Boasting a claimed 2x 76W power output into 4ohm, analogue connections include five line-level inputs. Turntables are catered for thanks to a moving-magnet input, while digital options include optical and coaxial inputs. There are terminals for two independent pairs of speakers (for individual or parallel operation), capable of taking 4mm banana plugs.

Pioneer has announced details of its new reference disc spinner in the form of the PD-70AE. Able to play CD and SACD via its large aluminium drawer-loading mechanism, the player promises to be a usefully flexible CD source and also act as a DAC via optical and a coaxial digital inputs at the rear. Decoding is handled by a pair of ESS9026PRO DACs and the entire circuit has been assembled to be fully balanced. A three-mode adjustable filter fine tunes the presentation with a choice of Slow, Sharp and Short settings.

Following the popularity of its XDP-100R(HFC 413), Pioneer has announced its latest digital audio player. The XDP-30R boasts a lightweight aluminium chassis with twin Sabre ES9018C2M DACs alongside ESS9601K amplifiers arranged in a symmetrical layout under the hood and supports 32-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD files up to 5. 6MHz. Meanwhile, support for MQA will become available later in the year via a firmware update.

PMC will be using the upcoming Sound & Vision, The Bristol Show, to announce that the high-end electronics brand AVM has been added toits distribution portfolio. Designed and crafted in Germany, AVM has been developing and manufacturing electronic equipment for over 30 years and believes that electronics must relay the purest emotions of recorded music, regardless of genre, dirtectly to the listener. The AVM product lineup spans three ranges: Inspiration, Evolution and Ovation. It consists of pre, power and integrated amplifiers, plus CD players, streamers, CD receivers and all-in-one CD/streamer/amplifiers.

Formula One motor racing and loudspeaker design might seem worlds apart, but a clear understanding of aerodynamics and the effects of air turbulence and drag is one of the key considerations in the design of PMC's Advanced Transmission Line bass loading, found in its new twenty5 series of loudspeakers. PMC's headof design, Oliver Thomas, has some experience in the motor sport, and has used his knowledge to develop an aerodynamic Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) bass loading Laminair vent that's employed in the five-strong loudspeaker series to reduce resistance and increase efficiency. Additional innovations incorporated throughout the new series include a new long-throw mid/bass driver with woven glass fibre cones, as well as refinements to its established Sonolex fabric dome tweeter to improve dispersion for a wider soundstage, says PMC. As with previous speakers from the company, the new series has slopping front and rear baffles.

PMC introduced the Bryston Cubed power amplifier series to visitors of this year’s Bristol Show, debuting the 300W 4B3 – which is also bridgeable to create a 900W mono amplifier – and the 600W mono 7B3. Described by PMC as a statement design platform idealfor music enthusiasts, the stylish amplifiers are also being aimedat home cinema installation and professional audio applications. The series is claimed to feature robust RF and audio frequency noise filtering circuitry positioned before the power supplies to prevent unwanted interference from affecting the audio signal. The amps cost £5,299 and £5,449 respectively and are available to buy now.

PMC has unveiled its first consumer integrated amplifier, hoping to deliver its high-end electronics to a whole new audience. Claimed to be completely neutral, the cor (as in ‘heart’) adds no character of its own to music, following precisely the same ethos as the company’s loudspeakers where nothing is added or taken away. According to PMC, every individual element of the cor has been developed with purity of sound upper most in the design process. Power output from the Class AB design is rated at 95W into 8ohm (and 140W into 4ohm) and a Class AB headphone amplifier is also built-in.